First Time Buying Used 03-04 Z4 3.0i w/60-75,000 Miles.Tips?

A

AlphaM911

New member
 New York City (Manhattan)
Hey everyone. I have about $16,000 cash to spend on a Z4. I have never bought a used car before. My previous car was a 2005 Acura RSX-S.

For sure I will have a PPI done before I make the purchase and I would prefer having a warranty.
1. Is it safer to buy from car manufacturer dealerships (Audi/Dodge) than from a family/privately owned dealership?
2. How reliable is the z4 after 65,000 miles and further down the line?
3. I'm looking to keep this car for about 3-4 years during which I will put about 30,000 miles max.
4. Is there anything I should look out for with Z4s from 2003 and 2004?
5. Any other tips?
THANKS! :thumbsup:

For $15,000-$17,000 I've found Z4 3.0i's for with
1. 50,000 miles- $16,900- 2004 Silver- Father & Son Auto Corp Dealership* Low miles!
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...kId=20005&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

2. 61,000 miles- $16,800- 2004 Black- Prestige Auto Group Dealership* RED INTERIOR!
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...kId=20005&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

3. 63,000 miles- $16,600- 2004 Gray- Cherry Hill Auto Sales Dealership *18" wheels
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...kId=20005&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

4. 66,000 miles - $16,600- 2004 Gray- Audi of Fairfield Dealership *18" wheels
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...kId=20005&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

5. 73,000 miles- $15,000- 2003 Black- Dodge/Jeep Dealership *Clear headlights
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...kId=20005&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national

6. 73,000 miles- $15,000- 2003 Black- Imports Auto Sales, Inc. Dealership *Clear headlights
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...kId=20005&rpp=50&feedSegId=28705&aff=national
 
I've owned mine from 27-65k... No major problems at all, just 1 window regulator. Its never even blown a bulb its simply that reliable. Ive not even had the broken spring problem, although its only ever been on 1 set of runflats which are probably the root cause.

Things to be cautious of at this age, would be the front wishbone rear bushes and maybe ball-joints. Just typical stuff common to any car really.
 
Welcome to the Forum. :thumbsup:

Check list link in my signature which may be of use (some bits are for UK only)
 
hi, As for reliability I had my 2004 3.0 SE from 27,000 to last month on 96,000 miles in the UK over about 4 years. Only problems were as follows
1. roof motor fixed under waranty from the dealer cost me 150 USD.
2. One broken rear spring
3. Both dipped headlight bulbs
and the CD cassette stuck in when I was taking it in for PX so I lost 6 CD's.

Not bad so I have bought another 3.0 SI with 23,000 miles had it for 7 weeks up to now no problems but I did buy from a BMW main dealer again for the waranty.
hope this is some help.

henry1
 
Thanks!
So I see that there's an issue with broken springs which usually occurs early in the mileage range. It's a cheap fix any way.

I also realized that I should check the soft top drains.
Everything else looks like normal wear and tear.

So it looks like Engine, transmission, etc should hold up pretty well?
I read that you don't have to change the timing chain? What should've/needs to be replaced around the 60-70,000 mile range?

AlanJ, great write-up :thumbsup:
 
AlphaM911 said:
What should've/needs to be replaced around the 60-70,000 mile range? :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

What should have been replaced already? 1) top/convertible hood motor, 2) rear brake light cover, 3) front control arm bushings, 4) brake pads and rotors.

What could need replacement? 1) valve cover gasket, 2) coolant hoses, 3) brakes, 4) dampers, 5) battery, 6) front control arm bushings (40k mi is typical service life)

Who should you buy from? It's important to keep in mind that this is a special type of car...often a second or third vehicle that's driven seasonally/on weekends. Typical mileage on these is more like 6-8k mi. not 15k mi.! Cars like this are exceedingly rare among sedans but fairly common among roadsters like the Z4.
I would definitely be looking for a private party sale from an original owner who used this as a pleasure vehicle. Someone who is willing to share the full maintenance history, who kept it in a garage or covered, and who made sure the fluids were changed based on service time not just mileage: e.g. oil...yearly, coolant, steering and brake fluid..biannually. That's your best insurance against major problems.

New car dealers will sometimes have a vehicle like this that they took in trade, but they are far more likely to know it's value and will price it high.

Used car dealers sell cars that new car dealers took in trade and then sold off at auction because they didn't want to sell them to their customers. Not only are the cars more likely to have been abused, the dealer's mechanics will not have the diagnostic equipment or experience with a particular make to identify underlying problems.
 
bimster said:
AlphaM911 said:
What should've/needs to be replaced around the 60-70,000 mile range? :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

What should have been replaced already? 1) top/convertible hood motor, 2) rear brake light cover, 3) front control arm bushings, 4) brake pads and rotors.

What could need replacement? 1) valve cover gasket, 2) coolant hoses, 3) brakes, 4) dampers, 5) battery, 6) front control arm bushings (40k mi is typical service life)

Who should you buy from? It's important to keep in mind that this is a special type of car...often a second or third vehicle that's driven seasonally/on weekends. Typical mileage on these is more like 6-8k mi. not 15k mi.! Cars like this are exceedingly rare among sedans but fairly common among roadsters like the Z4.
I would definitely be looking for a private party sale from an original owner who used this as a pleasure vehicle. Someone who is willing to share the full maintenance history, who kept it in a garage or covered, and who made sure the fluids were changed based on service time not just mileage: e.g. oil...yearly, coolant, steering and brake fluid..biannually. That's your best insurance against major problems.

New car dealers will sometimes have a vehicle like this that they took in trade, but they are far more likely to know it's value and will price it high.

Used car dealers sell cars that new car dealers took in trade and then sold off at auction because they didn't want to sell them to their customers. Not only are the cars more likely to have been abused, the dealer's mechanics will not have the diagnostic equipment or experience with a particular make to identify underlying problems.
Click to expand...
Oh really?

Surprisingly, the choice of 3.0i Z4s is limited around my area and I haven't found a decent one that is for sale from a private party.

National Base Price $13,711
Optional Equipment $1,256
Driver's Seat Memory $55
Power Front Passenger Seat $113
Power Driver's Seat $113
Power Convertible Roof $212
6-Speed Auto-Manual Transmission $424
18 Inch Alloy Wheels $339

Total $15,867

I was how much I can negotiate. Maybe $14,000?

I also was wondering if I should not mention that I will be paying in cash. From what I've read, the dealership would make profit if you finance a car. Of course, I'd like to get the best deal possible.
I just want to verify this. Thanks!
 
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